Spalletti: ‘I will speak to FIGC, Italy need to make changes’

FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 07: Head coach Italy Luciano Spalletti speaks with the media during Italy press conference at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on October 07, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Luciano Spalletti confirms he will ‘speak to’ FIGC President Gabriele Gravina about continuing on the Italy bench after the 3-0 defeat to Norway. ‘I am responsible. I too need to make changes.’

It was the worst possible start to the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, falling 3-0 in Norway by half-time to goals from Alexander Sorloth, Antonio Nusa and Erling Haaland.

Although this was just the first match for the Nazionale, it was painfully reminiscent of the EURO 2024 exit to Switzerland, which similarly had a team with zero reaction to going behind.

“We need to analyse what happened tonight,” said Spalletti at his press conference.

“We were not determined enough in doing things, we were a bit too soft. On the first goal, we gave the ball away with a cross-field pass while there was the opportunity to make two different passes close by.

“We could’ve done more defensively, individually, we lost the ball too often in the final third, we should’ve got the ball to the wing-backs more often, but instead we kept pushing it down the centre.

“In all three goals, we should’ve been more determined, grittier. Even the third goal where Sandro Tonali gave it away in the final third, we were still sitting really deep, we kept pressing with the wrong men in the wrong way.

“There were mistaken readings of situations, there are attitudes where you need more muscle and determination. We were below par.”

Italy future in real doubt for Spalletti

Spalletti had hinted in his Sky Sport Italia interview that he would speak to FIGC President Gabriele Gravina about whether or not to continue together and referenced that again in the press conference.

“We need a bit more enthusiasm, as individuals. We need to add something more, otherwise something has got to change.

“I consider this a strong squad, the best that I have at my disposal today. We have to do better, but I will defend this group of players. I will tell something to those who are not able to play at their best.”

The CT became irritated when reporters asked if he felt ‘abandoned’ by the media and FIGC leading up to this match, especially with so many players withdrawing from the squad.

“If there’s something that drives me crazy, it’s the suggestion they want to come to my rescue because I can’t do it by myself,” replied Spalletti.

“I went through thousands of situations and even more in the past. When you choose to become the Italy coach, you are responsible. I am responsible, what we do on the pitch is my responsibility.

“From here on, I too need to make some changes, because I protect the players, but I also say that we need the right attitude too.

“If our team does not show a lot of quality, then it suggests I am a coach lacking in quality. We let ourselves go at the first counter-attack.”

Italy risk missing third straight World Cup

When he said that he will speak to Gravina, what was Spalletti referring to?

“I was referring to the choices. He gave me the opportunity to be the CT and I will always thank him for that, but then he can do whatever he wants.

“Look, right now I need to think about the next game, then I will talk to Gravina.”

Italy will be back on the pitch on Monday against Moldova in Reggio Emilia, so will Spalletti carry on with this 3-5-2 formation?

“Yes, but then clearly we will change a few players, because we need fresh legs. I will bring in others with different qualities and in different roles.”

Spalletti said repeatedly this week that the players had recognised the importance of the match, yet it was a similar outcome to the EURO 2024 exit to Switzerland, when they seemed empty.

“I can explain it with a bit of fatigue at the end of the season, but when things don’t go the way you want, then you need to have a little more strength of character.

“That is what I saw from Diego Coppola, who made a mistake, but then kept his head in the game. He did good work. This is what I am talking about, this is how we must face situations.”

Antonio Nusa ran rings around Italy down the left Norwegian flank, yet Spalletti insists he had seen that coming.

“This is why we played Zappacosta, to double up the marking. In fact, when Nusa did get away, it was between two players, not one-on-one with Di Lorenzo.”

Considering Norway now have a 100 per cent primato after three games, and only the winner of the group goes directly into the World Cup, are Italy heading for another play-off?

“After tonight’s result it is entirely possible. We’ve got to scrape the bottom of the barrel and make sure we don’t make any more mistakes so that we can get first place back in our sights,” noted Spalletti.

“This is fair and we want to prove that we will not accept this situation.”